Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
"Folding" Band Saw Blades
Don Stephan
For years I've been able to "fold" band saw blades into 3 "rings," but a pair of new blades from Timberwolf last week, as always, was "folded" into 5 "rings." I couldn't begin to describe how to fold into 3 rings, so I image the process for 5 rings would be even harder to describe. Anyone have a diagram showing the process?
Re: "Folding" Band Saw Blades
Barry Irby
I just went to Youtube and Put in "How to fold a bandsaw blade" and got about twenty responses. You might add "coil" to the request.
Sorry if that is not what you wanted. It's almost more than I can stand to uncoil one. I have images of me cut and bleeding, perhaps decapitated. I usually take them out in the yard and throw them into the grass and run away. Older now and can't throw them as far or run as fast. I fear any blade might be the one that gets me.
I don't have much trouble coiling them but I doubt I can describe it. Put your foot on the blade, turn your hand backwards and twist. Then sort of fluff the coils into submission and zip tie them before they escape.
Re: "Folding" Band Saw Blades *LINK*
John McGaw
Personally, I always use the three-coil method but you can try this, preferably while wearing stout boots and gloves:
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?94688-Five-(5)-ring-bandsaw-blade-folding/page2
Good gloves are always a good thing!!!
Re: "Folding" Band Saw Blades
Dick Coers
I think the width and steel gage makes a huge difference on number of coils. Some blades will just yield and easily go into extra coils. Never forget when I owned a band saw mill. A couple of times it looked like I danced with a polecat! Messed up more than 1 long sleeve work shirt.
Go for 7 loops, don't be a wimp
John K Jordan
I usually coil in three loops but someone asked on a forum a few months ago so I tried and was easily able to coil a 1/2" blade into 5 loops. Then I couldn't leave well enough alone so just for fun I coiled one into 7 loops. That was more effort but not particularly difficult.
No video, but I took a picture of the way I did it, at least the way I remember, since I haven't tried 5 lately and I'm elderly and wanting in memory. There may be better ways but this is what I came up with without help from Sir Google.
To coil into 5 loops, I first coil into three, then gather up two loops to make them smaller, hold them down with my foot against the floor, then coil the third big loop exactly like I coil three. (I couldn't get a cell phone action shot since I don't have three hands.) This is the starting configuration:
Probably could have held the smaller coils in one hand instead of against the floor but I don't think I tried that.
To coil into 7, I did the same thing as for 5 but instead of gathering two smaller loops I gathered four, then coiled the large one into three.
Amaze your friends, impress the neighbors.
What is even more fun is coiling the big blade for the WoodMizer sawmill. I wear gloves and eye protection for that. If it gets away from you some medical attention might be needed.
JKJ
proof
Jack Guzman from Maine
This post is proof that woodworkers are a little "different"from most folks. I mastered the three way years ago and will definitely give 5 a try. Oh well,it's just a little cut.
Re: "Folding" Band Saw Blades
Don Stephan
Thanks everyone! Never would I have been clever enough to figure that out. Text explanations were perfectly clear.
The longer the better 
